Mr.Ballen’s Near Death Experience as a NAVY SEAL

[@odin1185]

Combat medics are battlefield angels. The shit they do under fire is incredible.

[@tonobehnke5885]

In Iwo Jima died 33 medics and 827 corpman

[@M4A1_DELTA6]

Don’t dog on the corpsman either there both good at what they do let’s leave it at that

[@M4A1_DELTA6]

SARCS nowadays have a Course that make them S.O.I.D.C which is equivalent to the 18D medical sgts of today

[@Heavymetal16]

Desmond T. Doss! The most badass medic to ever live

[@guitarest452452]

@@Heavymetal16 who that? links?

[@MontegaB]

The visual of them against the wall in complete darkness with the drone flying overhead strobing IR light while the firefight is raging is intense. Those guys are a special breed that's for sure.

[@CornPop2]

without the nvg, its just dark.

[@awnzotheman]

I think there's actual drone footage of this or another similar story on youtube

[@bluecollarboys6294]

Because he’s showing he can live a full life outside of the seal teams. Shouldn’t be surprised there are men who live that lifestyle only and do t understand those who serve a few tours and get out. They’re very tough men, who would rather live a quiet but aggressive life of hardship. Others want the experience and the chance to serve and then have other aspirations. That’s all.

[@pamholloway-jw3cz]

Yes how could the medic function so well to help them?

[@moodyshooty]

I could listen to this man talk for days. What a genuine good dude

[@velox.mortis]

True American glad you're still here John thank you for your service.

[@larrydavis8004]

Super humble down to earth guy! Rare now days.

[@alexscottthompson812]

"Do you have any FUCKING clue what I've just been through?" It's a pivotal moment in every man's life when we first realize that absolutely no one gives a fuck what you've been through lol

[@JohnnyDollar720]

For real lol

[@derekv8534]

Yeah no shit! A few days after I got back from one of my Iraq tours I was sitting on my back patio relaxing and my asshole neighbor decided he was going to light off all of his leftover fireworks in one pop. It was fucking April!

[@Dr.Zoidberg087]

​@derekv8534 that seems intentional. i mean independence day or new years, it's on you to get cover, it's a national thing. but you know your neighbor just got back from hell and has no reasonable expectation for more explosions? that's a dick move. even if it wasn't intentional he's just dumb.

[@jiveassturkey8849]

Ain’t that the truth

[@Treevors30]

Never been to actual War but I have been shot at and it's fucking scary it's not like the movies. Believe me or not I don't care but I was about 15 I believe and I was walking home from my place that I always hung out at this older couples house a bunch of kids we smoked weed and partied there all the time. But one of the nights I walked home there was this car coming towards me and something in my head told me run and I'm like why I thought I was just being paranoid and it kept saying run run run. So I started getting scared and I'm looking at the car like that's what I'm running from so I'm like okay. So there was a car coming towards me and a car coming the opposite way with me like the way I'm walking so I run beside that car then that car takes a right turn and I still run the other car that's coming towards me from the other direction peels out turns around and I start hearing pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop and I'm running on the opposite side of the road cuz I kind of did a diagonal run forward and I ended up running up this hill into a yard acting like it's my house. So I go and open up this door that was a like porch but a closed off porch and it was unlocked thank God or the universe whatever you believe in and I sat there for about an hour scared shirtless. My friend's house is three houses down but at the time he was locked up I believe in either jail or Juvenile Detention either one. But I thought to myself I can get to his house I'm going to use his mom's boyfriend to walk me to the rest of my house and I'm going to use him as a decoy or Shield. I understand how bad that sounds but I'm a teenager that really doesn't care about many people's lives even at some point I didn't care about my own but when you're in a circumstance like this for some reason yeah I care a lot. So the guys there and I'm like you need to walk me home I tell him what happened he doesn't believe me so I'm like well then just walk me home he didn't want to so I just bugged the shit out of him until finally he was like fine cuz I didn't live that far. I mean I could run home it would take me about 3 minutes but I wasn't going anywhere alone. So he ends up walking me and I'm kind of on the sidewalk this is a city mind you it's not like woodsy or anything so we finally get up to this car wash and my house is across the street from the car wash so at that point I just fucking book it. It wasn't until much later that I remember the incident clearly and was like what the fuc told me to run like what was that. Was it intuition was it what is this day it's still one of those moments of my life where I'm like I don't know got Instinct that I have no clue again I don't care if anyone believes me I know what I've been through in my life I've known what I've seen and I have seen some crazy shit and have been through some crazy shit in my life. And again I don't care if anyone doesn't give a fuck honestly but yeah being shot at no fucking fun and it ain't like the movies

[@Spartan-Of-Truth]

Dude, I love this guy. So absolutely humble and just a good human being… god bless him.

[@x.kenna.benna.x]

This is the first time I've heard Mr Ballen cuss and it threw me off guard 😂 Also "they still made me change the chimney cap" made me laugh out loud for some reason.

[@TJbuffs]

I felt the same way, important to keep in mind he’s a soldier lol. The fact that we’ve never heard him cuss until now is crazy. He said in his Shawn Ryan interview he was doing drugs on his second deployment. We don’t see the real/old John Allen, we see MrBallen.

[@jaimefio643]

Navy Seals are serious badasses. Soldiers in general are just heroes. We live the lives we do because of John Allen and his brothers and sisters, thank you!

[@toddbroyard5124]

John you are an AMAZING individual. I was a Navy SeaBee. I did some work on one of the SEALS’s buildings overseas. During that time I had a chance to talk to some of the SEALS. I was so impressed by their calm demeanor and quiet strength. You SIR and your fellow SEALS are the paradigm of the modern day warrior. TOTAL RESPECT.

[@BaloneyPoney007]

Same here! Was in NMCB 7 before it was decommissioned. Served with seals and rangers in the Philippines. Crazy times to look back on it now.

[@juliangardem1329]

Mr. Ballen is an awesome individual, also the best storyteller on the internet

[@Onelightoftheworld]

💯 and you can tell he’s a good man. I mean, I could be wrong. He could be awful, but I don’t think I am.

[@fortheloveofdog5622]

He totally is the best storyteller....I waste a lot of time listening to his stories....LOL

[@Cheekychappy36]

I got to meet him at the airport a couple months ago. Just shook his hand and said I was a huge fan because he was with his family and heading toward security. Asked me my name and he was really nice and appreciative.

[@Lacostanico]

Yeah, I despise american foreign invasions but like him as an individual, I just cant understand how a sensitive, cool guy like him can be so brainwashed to go to another country to kill people...

[@denyscpoyner]

I believe his name Brian Allen.

[@Qyy0]

im so glad hes still here

[@kentitus7550]

So you got fragged and you wasn't even a 2nd Lt. Yet. I Salute you Sr. For the few that do, you should be proud you served and you gave your all when you served. You are a good man. More military men need to tell their story. It is the stories from Fathers and Grandfathers that make their sons and Grandsons want to serve in the Military. I understand it is only between 1 to2% of the population that serve. I served in the Army and I am proud of you for talking about your service life so those that didn't serve can understand service life better and what you go through in war. My Father and all my Uncles on both sides of the family served and all of their Sons served. God Bless You and Your Family. Thanks Iced Coffee.

[@Belfast-lk8lx]

Totally agree. I understand it is hard for some to tell their story but I really wish they would….they deserve to be heard.

[@MikeTython34]

wtf does their rank have to do with getting fragged??

[@ohrealgoodyou7916]

I was in BUDs in 2016. I got medically dropped from the training. I had no idea at the time that one of those instructors that was kicking the shit out of me every day probably knew one of the greatest KZbin storytellers of all time. Crazy how small this world can be sometimes

[@CloudyyvilleThoughts]

I can listen to him tell stories all day😭💯 he speaks so vividly

[@willo7734]

The man is a consummate badass. The way he speaks so casually and humbly about that stuff is amazing. Insanely great storyteller too. I need to binge his channel now.

[@itstheundisputedsagboo]

Absolutely! 😂👌🏾

[@davehooper5115]

Wow, this brings a whole new perspective on a man we all love as whenever knew he went through all that. Much respect Mr Ballen

[@cl0udbr3ak]

Amazing story. I served in the old SADF and have a appreciation of combat. Mr. Ballen, Sir, you are a legend. The unassuming and humble way you tell this speaks volumes of you as a human.

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Sir, I bet you do indeed have an "appreciation of combat" being SADF. You and the Rhodesian forces fought hard against Cuban backed Communist forces. I still remember the old "Be a man among men" posters. I was just a kid (10 when Rhodesia fell), but I remember. I saw Saigon fall, Rhodesia fall, Afghanistan invaded... Dark days. I truly believe if it hadn't been for Reagan, we would of lost the Cold War. And South Africa was one of the nations who did the dirty job. Thanks.

[@CarefulSteps1]

good to hear mr ballen's experiences... so hard...thanks for sharing. we have a friend who found it hard to integrate back into society. he almost killed 2 people... and after the last one he realized he needed to move into the country far away from folks... he still lives there.

[@bobgordon1754]

The Spartans when returning from war were not allowed to live in town for one year.

[@carthelskinner2384]

Mr. Ballins is legit and best story teller ever

[@twocyclediesel1280]

Plot twist, the guy who threw the grenade is now a huge Mr Ballen fan.

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

I've seen the drone footage of that battle. Scary shit. Never knew that was Mr. Ballen.

[@TJbuffs]

Any tips on how to find that footage? Would be so cool to see it!

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

@@TJbuffs I just came across it one day. Someone was interviewing one of his team members. I cannot, for the life of me, remember who.

[@TJbuffs]

@@Mr.Schitzengigglez ah bummer, do you remember the name of the mission or anything?

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

@@TJbuffs Just a thing I came across, a long time ago. Sorry, I do not.

[@TJbuffs]

@@Mr.Schitzengigglez I gotcha! Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate ya.

[@donnaf5922]

Mr. Ballen, I want to THANK YOU, and ALL of the other seals/soldiers who have fought with you. May God please bless all of you.🙏🙏❤️❤️🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@grammysal]

My nephew is retired Navy Seal. It sounds like he might have served around some of the time Mr. Ballen did. It is a community that is like no other. The Seals are extremely close and backup each other at no cost. The family members have the biggest support system I’ve ever witnessed. We lost one very close friend during his service. Thank goodness it wasn’t more. Thank you for your service John Ballen.

[@Belfast-lk8lx]

That’s awesome……..hope your nephew is well. Sorry for the loss of your friend……

[@robertstephenson8107]

Thank you for sharing and being so candid also for your service. My father also received a Purple Heart in WWII in the Philippines after being shot in the neck by a sniper as he was crawling through a corn field. He spent around 6 weeks in recovery before being sent back to duty but didn’t talk much about the carnage and had nightmares for a couple years after the war ended.

[@j3suisd3]

⭐⭐😔⭐⭐

[@Belfast-lk8lx]

Wow…..your father was so lucky…..

[@mmuhee151]

I hope people realise that they are witnessing one of the greatest story teller ever. I could listen to this dude’s story for hours.

[@jameshoch9632]

Mr Ballen is truly a GREAT American,. His channel is always one of my go-to's

[@USLethal]

Former turret gunner here, OEF 5, 7, and 10. He’s spot on about everything.

[@Justin-np3ki]

Thanks for your service dude.

[@shanewoods1980]

@USLethal do you still get those feelings when you hear the rotor blades from a helo video? I get those anxious, nervous and ready to go feelings when I hear a helo

[@rootproblems8791]

OIF I & II, OEF VIII here....we had soft shell vehicles with no armor or turrents for the first two deployments, I see many inconsistencies with this story.

[@elliannatickle2755]

Me. Ballen is the gold medal winner for hand talking. I’ve always noticed it in his videos and wondered if he did it in normal conversation. It’s a definite yes 😂

[@cooterwallace]

Sir, thank you. Mr.Ballen i appreciate your time helping your fellow service men and being a part of our special forces and helping do what you can to keep them breathing. ❤

[@brandonmontemayor8178]

When he asked “how do you adjust back into society after something like that”, idk. I didn’t have the most crazy time deployed but for a very very long time after getting home, I slept on the floor in the living room under a red light and the tv on static loud. Id go to bed with my wife but as soon as she would fall asleep, id go to the living room. Here we are 10 years later, still having those issues but it’s getting better after starting treatment. I didn’t think anything was wrong to the extent it was until I was told what was wrong with me and seeing how the treatment really started to repair me.

[@annbryant4388]

Thank you for your service! I pray that you continue on your positive journey of healing!

[@Cutty_Bronson]

As a former Corpsman with the Marine Corps in a similar incident in the Stan (and others), I was awaiting him to speak on our designation: Corpsman. Not “medic”. Yeah, we’re trained and ingrained to stay cool and calm under such pressure. “It’s going to be okay (even when it isn’t); “Hey, look at me. LOOK AT ME…you’re going to be fine. I got you. Don’t look down, it’s nothing. Lay here and keep your eyes forward; I’m going to take care of you. I’m gonna fix it. Relax.”

[@deadmanwalking915]

Medic, corpsman. It’s the same thing.

[@Cutty_Bronson]

@@deadmanwalking915 technically. Corpsman is a preferred - and the only one used - term for Navy and Marine Corps, medic for Army and Air Force. Marines call out to their doc with “Corpsman up” or just shout “Corpsman”, while the rest say “medic”. I can speak from subjective knowledge that we are proud of that particular distinction as far as a designation to address us; hell, even “Doc” will suffice. I’m a prior FMF Corpsman and have never once been referred to as “medic”.

[@deadmanwalking915]

@@Cutty_Bronson TL:DR It’s not that big of a deal, it’s the same thing

[@Cutty_Bronson]

@@deadmanwalking915 ah, “TL;DR”, the simpler way of letting someone know you have a room temperature IQ.

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Thanks, Doc. You guys are the best.

[@marileesaturley4176]

It is amazing just how self deprecating this man is. The first time I heard the story, he described how the grenade bounced off him and that was that. It’s taken 3 years of bits and pieces to get the full story. I saw another video with an older man talking about Jon. It wasn’t clear to me at first but he was talking about how the SEAL community was disowning Jon, basically because he has made a success of himself. It is just so completely whacked to me. The whole machismo bs is completely stupid. You get people saying how they’ve done dozens of tours, injured beyond belief and then had the government hang them out to dry yet they have ‘integrity’ because they are SEALs. Mr Allen has raised money for vets and started foundations to help them get jobs but he isn’t worthy to call himself a SEAL? Somewhere there is a major disconnect. And no one is showering themselves with glory with that attitude.

[@dlbstl]

Thank you for explaining. I'd heard SEALs were mad at him but I didn't understand why.

[@rustbucket9318]

I’ve heard the same about the SEAL community turning on Jon. I’ve heard some of them speak highly of him too. Don Shipley didn’t have anything bad to say about him. Not sure about the other KZbin SEALs like Jocko and such.

[@marileesaturley4176]

@@rustbucket9318 thank you for letting me know it’s not all negative!

[@Wiltac]

He covers this topic. The SEAL community disliked him for the military videos he started making when he first started. Even ...close friends were sending him crushing letters he said. They do not like people talking about them or their situations evidently. I'd like to hope they have started to forgive him and become fans.

[@Vanceydress]

Why haven't the seal community turned on guys like Shawn Ryan?

[@watchingthewheelsgoround260]

Thank you for sharing your story John. My granddaddy came home from wwii Europe. He never talked about his experiences there. I know he came home with a Purple Heart and a head full of death. My heart aches for him because of the things he hid in his head that he did not have the strength to tell us. He was a beautiful man who raised 4 daughters with my grandmother, and many grandchildren. I had 16 years with him and I treasure them. ❤

[@arthurchadwell9267]

You don't tell people because if they were there, they know. If they weren't, you don't WANT them to know... ever.

[@watchingthewheelsgoround260]

@@arthurchadwell9267 ❤️

[@udonenomee2117]

I was a CROWS gunner in Khost province. I have videos of our experiences there.

[@dorothypage7410]

I am a subscriber of Mr Ballen’s channel. His story telling is great. Good to see a bit of ‘who he is’. God Bless, Mr Ballen.

[@michaelwalsh3915]

Thank you for your service, God bless you 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@sabrinashelton1997]

I had no idea he went thru all this.

[@IntoTheLight1]

He's seems like a humble genuine good man! I love all his stories and thank him for his service and wish him and his family the very best ❤️

[@loricharpentier1654]

WOW! You have really been through the ringer! 😮 i am glad that you survived everything! ❤ Kudos to you!

[@randyn1571]

Honestly his story is way scarier/more nerve wrecking than any of Mr. Ballens videos😂

[@sandstorm6605]

I think I was expecting a different kind of near death experience in this clip, but I just want to say that I have so much respect for this man, what he’s been through and how far he’s come.

[@shannonmcstormy5021]

I was in a Motorcycle accident as a teenager, caused by another driver (as per the police report). I was leaning heavily on a fire hydrant and it felt like my head was in the shower. I remember looking up at one of the people watching from across the road, and she turned and vomited. I instantly looked back down, leaning on the fire hydrant, suddenly very aware that I was really messed up, that the shower was blood from my head. It turned out I was ok (scalps bleed a lot), with only a badly broken arm (Also, my braces were ground-off/torn-off my teeth, but they probably kept my teeth in my mouth). But I didn't realize how bad things were until I saw the reaction from someone watching. After that, I bought a full-face helmet......

[@osogrande2]

Marcus Luttrell has addressed the topic of how do you assimilate to being a civilian once you have served and seen a lot of action. He says it takes 3 years of civilian life for every one year you were serving to come down from the stress and the adrenaline rush

[@kindcanadian5825]

This guy is one of the best story tellers ive heard. He should have a tv show telling children stories or something.

[@TheUnwantedTruth]

Why just children weirdo

[@Havøc_Varangian]

I have to say I can’t imagine what he’s been through from his experience as one of the most Elite Spec OPs communities in the world to his experiences after leaving active duty and starting his civilian career. In the other video where John talks about basically being “out in bad standing” (that’s how it’s described in my world lol) to him suffering from deep depression from his standing in community, it just makes me respect this man even more if that’s possible. Hearing him talk about how he was injured was hard to watch, he is a real inspiration and true American Hero. I definitely don’t want to speak on something I’m not qualified to speak on but I just want to say that I can understand everything he’s said and I hate that certain parts of his story went the way they did but at the same time he’s where he is today because of it in some ways. Thank you to all the Veterans that have served our country, y’all are true heroes! Skål 🍻

[@tylerganas9411]

Mr. Ballen is so humble. I love this guy because he gives me confidence like nobody else and of course is the best storyteller on KZbin.

[@SlimothyNate3218]

I have a new found respect for Mr.Ballen. I’m shocked how little I knew about the man I’d listen to while eating lunch or sitting on the toilet.

[@oyunnbolstad]

Thank you so much for sharing your traumatic experiences and the physical and mental struggles after so candidly. You are such a example to all of us and we love you so much! The fact that you speak so openly about therapy and all the good it can do will help SO many people. 🙏❤️🇧🇻

[@beverlyhitchon4901]

What a life he has led and how far he has come to be this wonderful humble man. So much respect for him. ❤

[@ReconRaptor]

John's storytelling is next level

[@samirabed7946]

Damn John is a fucking badass! He’s so humble wouldn’t ever think so

[@QuakerLady]

I absolutely love MrBallen's storytelling. He has the gift. But this was so deeply personal. I'm glad you recovered so well.

[@Dagrdottir]

Even those of us that regard these men as absolute heroes will never truly understand what they go through..thanks for your service MrBallen and Nick.

[@rickl.1603]

This man is truly a storyteller. He is not bragging!!!! This is a man who is very humble

[@dantaylor333]

I saw an experiment about if someone is falling they can see a number on a screen that is only there for a fraction of a second that normally can not be seen. So time must of slowed down

[@robertraney2067]

Mr Ballen. Thank you for your service first of all. But I work hard every day just because I am aware of the risks that our military take on the daily. Much respect given

[@mcgovernoutdoors33]

Mr Ballen you have my respect for sure!! No matter what anyone says you went through some of the hardest training in the world!! We are proud of you my man!!

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

John talking about being in the red is so true. When my husband would come back from deployment, it took a couple months for him to stop blowing stop signs and red lights, among other things. How he managed to keep his license is beyond me.

[@poepodcastnetwork]

Its crazy the life you live to finally get to sucess! Without these experiences its just not the same! Hang in there to anybody like me still figuring it out and life seem like its getting the best of us but it gets greater later!

[@tnwhiskey68]

It was so much harder in the early 2000s when everyone was nonstop praising the troops. I came back feeling high and mighty, until I talked to some WW2 vets and realized I wasn't that special. Maybe amongst friends and family but I wasn't unique to the world. A lot of guys never had that ah ha moment though.

[@joesmith201212]

The guy is a real American hero

[@828enigma6]

Wish Mr. Ballen was local. I think he'd be a good neighbor and friend.

[@robynwelsh9222]

Having met you doing your other videos, I am completely blown away by the courage you have shared with all of us to protect us, I am eternally grateful❤️ thank you for all you've done, including your videos that have helped me deal with my mental health issues, you spoke of your mental health and I identified so much. Your videos help me each day, they are a gift that you are so good at. Thank you again, Mr Ballen🙏🏼😊 Many blessings for your life.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I don't understand why some SEALs have issues with this guy. Probably because he's got some success out of the teams. I don't mind him branding himself as an ex SEAL and doing KZbin for a living.

[@lifegrowth8295]

As an 98 - 06 Combat Medic attached to the 75th, I know firsthand what it feels like to attempt your teammates their injuries or survivable, through a forced calm demeanor while functioning under extreme pressure and fear for your own safety, not with the hopes of making it home yourself but with the hopes of getting your teammates home to their families. I was running from the streets of Inglewood California in 1998 so there was no fear in me for Warfare. After my Bosnia/Kosovo Crisis deployment and two Post 911 deployments, I found myself married with children, and quickly lost the taste for warfare and knew that I was no longer an asset to my unit. 3rd Platoon "Out Laws", RRC Company Tough Job indeed

[@Iulusi]

Anyone else listened to him tell this story 10 times ? but never gets tired of hearing him talk about the same thing over and over

[@S.Clause]

Infrared strobe is basically like daylight if you’re wearing night vision goggles. So, when the the strobe goes off it’s extremely bright to the wearer and when it’s off it’s the normal night vision green. That’s the most hair raising part of this dialogue. Turret gunner’s in HMMWV had just a welded on piece of v-iron to prevent decapitation from horizontal strung wires across the roadways from insurgents during the 2002-2006 part of the battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of the military HMMWV’s were made of molded fiberglass at the time with metal plates attached underbody to the frame rails. HOA’s (Home Owners Association), are people who manage homes in a residential neighborhood; they are known to be clueless and anal about what you can and can’t do with your house; mow the grass 😅, trim the bushes; take down holiday decorations 😅. I hope this helps people who live outside the USA understand this short clip.

[@arthurchadwell9267]

The wire across the road trick was used from WWII on. Real rough on motorcycle dispatch couriers.

[@delaneyclark]

My respect for this man is massive!!! Literally took a grenade for us.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

For us? Was this battle in the United States? Was your freedom threatened? Gtfo with that bullshit

[@Mark-zv3dj]

It took him a short time to emotionally calm down after he was injured. Great for him. It took me 30 yrs to figure things out.

[@Belfast-lk8lx]

I have followed Mr. Ballen’s youtube for years……just recently I discovered him being a Navy Seal! Mucho, Mucho respect…….

[@evabyrum3327]

So glad you survived and thank you for your service! I just hope you heal in every way you can! ❤💪🍻🇺🇸

[@donaldfeger91]

Thank You for your sacrifice Mr Ballen!!!

[@Calif5150]

John is always a pleasure to listen to, and you wont find a better story teller out there. He also seems to be one of the most humblest men you could ever encounter. I come from the same military community as John except im on the Marine side. As you can imagine most guys who come from the military units like ours are very cocky and very full of themselves. Some would say you have to be given the nature of what we do, but the guys ive worked with, and others ive admired most are the quiet calm, and confident without being too over the top. 🇺🇲SF

[@Moj0j0]

Your the dude John. Much respect.

[@Allison_Chaynes]

My fiance calls MrBallen my man crush. I can't get enough of his content.

[@ShoeF1end]

Mr. Ballen is a legend! And a humble one it took me a couple years of watching his vids to find out he served and then to find out he was a seal, and just now finding out he was injured in a fire fight! I’m glad he came back in one piece he’s a national treasure. I enlisted as a corpsman and I ship out Jan, can’t wait to meet more badasses like him.

[@MJFUYT]

His story is fascinating, to say the least.

[@danielcisco]

Thank you for your service Mr Ballen!

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Civilians never think about it -- imagine training to react with instant deadly force to any perceved threat. Especially if you are in actual combat, where you kill any threat instantly or you (or worse, your friends) die. Now, do that for a year or two...or ten. Then go "home" and have to deal with everything life throws at you-- and be calm and peaceful. See how it's a bit difficult?

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

mr ballens pretty cool im sorry for him and thousands of others who suffered or died unknowingly serving the DC swamp

[@Vanceydress]

Lol

[@stephaniegifford2020]

Thank you for your service

[@jaswagg85]

Like this comment if you'd like to see Mr Ballen make an appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show

[@dougtheviking6503]

Mr B, you are an amazing person.

[@happinesshotel5375]

I had my near death experience and I shit you not my whole life flashed before my eyes. That’s not a lie. You can think a billion thoughts in just five seconds lol.

[@mushsqush7731]

You don’t assimilate. You feel everything is chaos but. It isn’t the chaos your used to. Nobody knows what your going through and you genuinely see nothing but selfishness. You feel alone. And 100% on all the time.

[@krisshepherd740]

Amazing story. God bless you sir.

[@markchapman2585]

Great video guys 👍

[@JuanRodriguez-pr2bz]

Mr ballen is awesome love his channel

[@quitlootingg3078]

Damn, they almost dropped the ball-en😅 love this guy

[@ATRTAP]

That’s one tough hombre, talking about sometimes it’s hard running with those 26 pieces of shrapnel still in him.

[@ix-Xafra]

My uncle was a medic in Korea I never got to meet him His soul is still there RIP Pvt Joseph Bologna

[@user-le4tw8bp6z]

Love you Mr Ballen!❤❤❤❤❤

[@tc7666]

Mr Ballen is that dood 🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@akanji8285]

Watching him on his channel you’d never guess he could probably kill you 15 different ways with his hands

[@TheRick8866]

This guy is so charismatic

[@gregkoegel7311]

God bless you and keep you healthy

[@sarasotarebel2445]

The HOA made him change the chimney cap anyway. LOL. They don't care about anyone, but the neighborhood still has to look perfect. 😅

[@kristiskinner8542]

Well thats its purpose its in the title Homeowners Association & to keep those homes & areas well taken caren of. The basic thought behind it was good, so you dont end up with neighbors who let their houses & yards get all trashy & unkept & bring everyone elses property value down. One huge reason homeowners dont like when ppl come into neighborhoods & buy up any homes for sale & start "flipping" them & put them up for lease/rent. Because a lot of renters dont take care of the house or property it sits on. Ive seen a lot that cant even manage to mow the small amount of grass in the front yard. Ive also seen nice yards that have been well taken care of for decades go to complete 💩 the renters let most of the grass die, everything in the flower beds die, shrubs get overgrown & cover some windows etc after the previous owner spent who knows how many hours a week for years watering, trimming etc to keep it nice. Then damn near overnight, within a year its all ruined & tacky looking smh. HOAs prevent that type of bull💩 from happening, they just take things to the other extreme. And HOA or not, moving into an area & letting it go to 💩 is a great way to make sure your neighbors cant stand you & want to see you gone, especially if they see there is at least one or more physically able person in the house that can mow when it needs it, waters the grass occasionally so the yard doesnt turn to dirt etc at least those very basics. If ya cant handle doing those basic things they should stick to living in an apartment or find a house outside of city limits with no neighbors close by because there are ppl that live in those areas that dont want ppl moving out there junking the place up either

[@kimymarie596]

Call me silly, but I gained respect for Mr. Ballen when David Paulides gave him the stamp of approval. You don’t have to agree with missing 411, but Paulides is a hard ass, who has boots on the ground. You gotta respect him for the hustle.

[@WangMingGe]

Agreed. I'm not into the UFO stuff, for example, but Paulides has done great work helping raise awareness of important cases, helped educated city-raised folk (like me) about precautions one should take in the wilderness, and the fact he's been living this journey since before KZbin was big and despite occasional ridicule he gets speaks volumes about his character. I enjoy both their channels.

[@gcm747]

As much as I hate to say it, a lot of the veteran community maintains a ‘woe is me’, self-deprecating view of itself and it’s that part of the community that can’t stand other veterans that get out of the rut, stand tall and become successful on merit.